Since the acclaimed documentary “Blackfish” was released in 2013, concerns have increased regarding dolphins and killer whales being kept in captivity. Indeed, SeaWorld in particular has attempted to justify keeping marine mammals in its amusement parks amid a huge public backlash.
According to data reported by National Geographic, Japan has an estimated 543 dolphins and killer whales in captivity, the most of any country worldwide. The US isn’t too far behind with an estimated 529 while China rounds off the top three with 294. 296 dolphins and killer whales are estimated to be in captivity in amusement parks across Europe.
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Japan’s Infamous Cove
The annual slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan, has drawn strong condemnation from environmental groups across the world. The hunt gained notoriety in a 2009 documentary called “The Cove” and at least 500 dolphins appear to have been slaughtered so far this year.
The practice of hunting dolphins has been widely condemned in western quarters while many in Japan defend it as an important local custom or claim to hunt whales for scientific purposes. Over the course of the past decade, the number of dolphins killed in Taiji has fluctuated widely. However, in general, the quota slaughtered has been falling.
Back in 2002, 1, 935 dolphins were killed during the hunt. This number fell to 1, 149 in 2007 before falling again to 899 in 2012. Overfishing may be one reason for the decline in numbers. However, observers have also suggested that changing water temperatures are causing whales and dolphins to seek their food in areas away from Taiji.
This chart shows the estimated number of dolphins and orcas in captivity worldwide.
You will find more statistics at Statista
